Over sharing in background

[Reaper08]

I've gone through two background interviews and received rejection letters right after them. I'm wondering if there's such thing as telling them too much information about myself?
I ask this because I have told them things about my background that they didn't specifically ask. Should I not be sharing everything even though they don't ask?

[PhilipCal]

Over sharing of and by itself, shouldn't be an issue. ( IMHO) At the end of the day, you know your background better than anyone on these forums.

Let's take a quick look at what a Background Investigation is supposed to do. First, the Background seeks to insure that the applicant meets the minimum standards for employment by a given agency.

Secondly, the Background seeks to reveal whether or not the applicant meets the criteria for disqualification as established by a given agency.

Based on the foregoing information, you should come up with a pretty idea on why you're having difficulty with this phase of the hiring process.

[Iowa #1603]

Please realize that it takes an average of 3-7 yrs and somewhere between 10-20 applications to get hired in most cases.

TWO is just getting started

[Michigan]

Are you getting disqualified or just not getting hired? If it's simply not getting an offer for employment it probably has little to do with your background and more to do with you experience, education and/or most likely, your competition.

If you're getting DQ'd it has everything to do with your background or background packet and what you're telling them or not telling them is irrelevant.

[Lady Blue]

Remember that even when things are great with the economy it is tough to get hired because of the competition, as it should be. With the economy down there is that much more ompetition out there. You are early in the game. Keep trying but be selective as well. Dont take the shotgun approach and apply to every agency out there. Find your fit and apply to agencies that meet what you want. As my colleagues have stated this is a process which takes some time.

[Reaper08]

Thanks for the feedback!

I'm assuming its that I'm not being hired since nothing in the letters hints at it being a disqualification. And there's nothing in my background that would be grounds for disqualification.

That being said, I think I understand what you meant, PhilipCal. It is something I will seriously consider in my next application.

[sgt jon]

In reality unless you are disclosing something that on its face is disqualifying there is no such thing as over sharing. How you interact, how you react to questions, how you respond to the steps in the process all play into the holistic approach to screening applicants- the whole person concept if you will.

The process of conducting a background and suitability investigation is to determine if you have issues that disqualify you and to see if you are a "good fit" for not just LE, but also the agency. Bottom line is some folks just don't fit in.

[Shush]

I don't know....

I mean, if you are telling them you like to cross dress as a dominatrix, then yeah - you may be over sharing.

Just sayin'....

[Reaper08]

Haha!! Yeah, not something I would share even if I WAS into that

I know I have a strong personality but I feel like I'm doing well in the background interview - until I get the rejection letter. But like I said, I've only had two backgrounds so far....still just getting started. Although getting them is never going to get any easier....

[BNWS]

Only answer the questions asked no need to open doors the BI is not looking to open.

[Reaper08]

I have another question about backgrounds: if I interview with one agency and then another, can the two agencies's background detectives discuss my background? Even though they said everything we discuss is confidential?

I'm asking cause I'm kinda curious why they want to know who my background detective is for each agency.

[roboot]

I have another question about backgrounds: if I interview with one agency and then another, can the two agencies's background detectives discuss my background? Even though they said everything we discuss is confidential?

I'm asking cause I'm kinda curious why they want to know who my background detective is for each agency.

To my knowledge, they do. Specifically to Washington, my friend who tested for all kinds of departments up there(and was offered a few positions before taking a different route with his life) has told me they talk to each other all the time, even if you don't list all the departments you've applied to. "Hey, did you ever get a so and so applying to your department?" "Yeah, gave us a no call no show on the oral board" etc.

Granted, this is second hand scuttle butt, but he's a retired Honolulu officer, so I don't see why he'd BS me.

[Reaper08]

To my knowledge, they do. Specifically to Washington, my friend who tested for all kinds of departments up there(and was offered a few positions before taking a different route with his life) has told me they talk to each other all the time, even if you don't list all the departments you've applied to. "Hey, did you ever get a so and so applying to your department?" "Yeah, gave us a no call no show on the oral board" etc.

Granted, this is second hand scuttle butt, but he's a retired Honolulu officer, so I don't see why he'd BS me.

I figured they did that but I meant more along do they discuss what I told them in the "initial background interview" since they said it's confidential?

[Iowa #1603]

I figured they did that but I meant more along do they discuss what I told them in the "initial background interview" since they said it's confidential?

"Confidential " means they are not going to share it with your friends and family.

Yes pretty much everything you say in a police application process could and most likely WILL be shared if another agency requests a briefing on your background investigation.




In reality , the LEO community is pretty small. Officer Joe Blow, during the course of his career interacts with a lot of officers/deputies/agents from other agencies. Sometimes they develop pretty close relationships with those other LEO's. If I get a call from someone I know asking for information that I possess -----I am going to talk.

[Reaper08]

I'm also asking because I know in one background I talked about some stuff that I didn't necessarily need to share since it didn't have to do with illegal activity or anything really and I'm wondering if I don't mention it in my next background interview, will my old detective tell my new one. I don't think mentioning it or not mentioning it will really hurt me.